Two men and two teenagers have been convicted of a double murder and two counts of causing GBH with intent, following the deaths of two 17-year-olds in Milton Keynes.
Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice, who were childhood friends, suffered fatal stab wounds at a birthday party on October 19, 2019, whilst two other people, a 25-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, who was 17 at the time, were also stabbed.
READ MORE: Man, 18, in 'serious condition' in hospital following car crash near Aylesbury
Charlie Chandler, 22, of Fitzwilliam Street, Bletchley and Clayton Barker, 20, of Surrey Road, Bletchley, were both found guilty by a unanimous jury at Luton Crown Court of two counts of murder and two counts of GBH with intent on December 22.
A 17-year-old boy from Westcroft, Milton Keynes, and a 16-year-old boy from Beanhill, Milton Keynes, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were also found guilty of all counts.
Earl Bevans, 23, of no fixed abode, admitted all of the offences on the first day of the trial.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bosley, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This was an utterly horrific attack that left two young men dead and another two with serious injuries.
“It was a targeted, pre-meditated and calculated attack, which has resulted in two families losing a cherished loved one, and another two families having to deal with the effects that this shocking incident has had on them.
Earl Bevans
“Ben and Dom were attending what should have been a celebration of a birthday.
"They could have had no idea that they were to be targeted in such a horrific way that night.
“The injuries that they both sustained were horrendous, and the families of both of these childhood friends have had to endure many months of anguish, not only throughout the investigation but also through the subsequent and delayed court trial due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I would like to express my thanks to the families of all of the victims for their patience and support of this harrowing prosecution.
READ MORE: BB Guns used in midnight robbery as handbags, cards and phones are taken – CCTV released
“They will all have had to listen to evidence that led to this incident, and no family should have to go through what they have endured over the last 14 months.
"They have conducted themselves with dignity throughout this trial.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the witnesses who gave evidence in this case.
Clayton Barker
"Many of them were young and understandably nervous about giving evidence.
"They all showed remarkable bravery and can be satisfied they have played their part in securing justice.
“The offenders in this case are all as culpable as one another under joint enterprise.
“This was without a doubt a callous act, and as a result of their dreadful actions on October 19 - they will all receive substantial sentences.
“No amount of time behind bars will serve as solace to the families of Ben and Dom, but I do hope that in time they will be able to come to terms what has happened and take some satisfaction that justice has been served.
READ MORE: Nine dead puppies found dumped on grass verge
“To the two victims who survived this attack, I hope that they will be able to move on in their lives and put this dreadful incident behind them.
“I know that will not be easy for them to do, but again, I would like to thank them both for their patience and support while this investigation was conducted.
“Every victim who loses their life to serious violence or knife crime has a family, and that family is left without a son or daughter, a father or mother, an uncle or auntie, a nephew or niece.
Charlie Chandler
“Serious violence and knife crime cause pain and suffering and Thames Valley Police have a dedicated Violence Reduction Unit dedicated in its mission to tackle it via prevention, intervention and enforcement.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with partners, including our communities, to tackle knife crime and stamp out this scourge on our society.”
Chandler, Barker, Bevans, and the two teenagers will all be sentenced on January 6, 2021 at Luton Crown Court.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article